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The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius
Introduction by James H. Charlesworth This new edition of David Flusser's classic study of the historical Jesus, revised and updated by his student and colleague R. Steven Notley, will be welcomed everywhere by students and scholars of early Christianity and Judaism. Reflecting Flusser's mastery of ancient literary sources and modern archaeological discoveries, The Sage from Galilee offers a fresh, informed biographical portrait of Jesus in the context of Jewish faith and life in his day. Including a chronological table (330 BC – AD 70), and twenty-eight illustrations, The Sage from Galilee is the culmination of nearly six decades of study by one of the world's foremost Jewish authorities on the New Testament and early Christianity. Both Jewish and Christian readers will find challenge and new understanding in these pages.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 6, 2013
I found this book quite frustrating to read.
Flusser's view of Jesus is that, although influenced by the Essenes through John the Baptist, he was primarily presenting a variation of pharisaism.
Flusser is a Jew and claims to write as a classicist, rather than as a theologian. He admits up front to accept source criticism & a rare two source hypothesis that holds to Lukan priority. What this means in practice is that he prefers Luke's account (which has few negative representations of the Jews) and regularly dismisses Mark & Matthew as influenced by later church priorities. John is almost never considered because his writing is considered to heavily influenced by a theological agenda to write accurate history.
So, Flusser makes his case by selecting evidence from the gospels (& regularly redefining what it says) and dismissing large blocks of the rest.
Another frustration is that this book appears to a popular version, a synthesis of his more detailed work "Judaism & the Origins of Christianity" where, I hope, his arguments are spelled out in more depth. Flusser references his JOC in many footnotes when he made certain controversial statements/assumptions. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm motivated enough to read JOC after reading this book.
Interestingly, he begins by claiming to have a conservative approach to the gospels. In the sense that he holds that all the major events actually occurred - including a resurrection! - he is conservative. It's just that he reinterprets everything to provide his own meanings.
Flusser's view of Jesus is that, although influenced by the Essenes through John the Baptist, he was primarily presenting a variation of pharisaism.
Flusser is a Jew and claims to write as a classicist, rather than as a theologian. He admits up front to accept source criticism & a rare two source hypothesis that holds to Lukan priority. What this means in practice is that he prefers Luke's account (which has few negative representations of the Jews) and regularly dismisses Mark & Matthew as influenced by later church priorities. John is almost never considered because his writing is considered to heavily influenced by a theological agenda to write accurate history.
So, Flusser makes his case by selecting evidence from the gospels (& regularly redefining what it says) and dismissing large blocks of the rest.
Another frustration is that this book appears to a popular version, a synthesis of his more detailed work "Judaism & the Origins of Christianity" where, I hope, his arguments are spelled out in more depth. Flusser references his JOC in many footnotes when he made certain controversial statements/assumptions. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm motivated enough to read JOC after reading this book.
Interestingly, he begins by claiming to have a conservative approach to the gospels. In the sense that he holds that all the major events actually occurred - including a resurrection! - he is conservative. It's just that he reinterprets everything to provide his own meanings.
January 26, 2009
What a cool book! I got a library copy and couldn't help marking it up. So I bought a copy to return to the library - I'll keep my marked-up one!
Flusser is a Jew, and he brings tremendous knowledge of the early rabbinical history and teachings, which date to around Jesus' time. He places Jesus within that context - showing how Jesus couldn't have said what he said without building from the Judaism around him. At the same time, Flusser acknowledges Jesus' genius and the amazing contribution he added to the thinking of his time.
Completely cool for me to read a Jewish scholarly taking Jesus so seriously as an historical figure! Can't wait for my wife Sharman to read it - I wanna talk about it with her!
Flusser is a Jew, and he brings tremendous knowledge of the early rabbinical history and teachings, which date to around Jesus' time. He places Jesus within that context - showing how Jesus couldn't have said what he said without building from the Judaism around him. At the same time, Flusser acknowledges Jesus' genius and the amazing contribution he added to the thinking of his time.
Completely cool for me to read a Jewish scholarly taking Jesus so seriously as an historical figure! Can't wait for my wife Sharman to read it - I wanna talk about it with her!
October 3, 2024
This was a fascinating book. While biographical, the book stressed more Jesus as an historical figure, but not at the loss of his divinity. Detailed context of political, economic, sociological provided an enhanced understanding of why Jesus did some of things he did and why others did things they did. Dr. Flusser analysis of Pilate was one person he expounded on to understand the perceivable favor he received in the gospels. The footnotes were especially enlightening. I highly recommend this book.
November 17, 2020
A look at the life of Jesus through a scholarly Jewish lens. Much can be gained through this reading.
October 27, 2008
This is an excellent reference work on the life of Jesus from a Jewish scholar and rabbi. His grasp of the background material from Dead sea Scrolls, Mishna, Talmud, extra-Biblical and Biblical writings is excellent. Also his command of the Biblical and cognate languages is superb I do not always agree with his interpretation, but it always challenges me to go back to the text to re-read and think through the passage. It is interesting to watch as Flusser grapples with the historical person of Jesus. What he affirms of Jesus is just as amazing as what he does not. A book worth sitting down and spending time with.
March 20, 2015
Flusser was such an influential man and an excellent scholar. I was incredibly excited to read his book, for I had read several of his "disciples" works before his. I was disappointed that his writing wasn't what I expected, but he does write well. However, there were no surprises or revelations in this text. Makes me wonder if I should hunt up the first edition of this book to see what good stuff he had in there. He states the first edition is completely different.
This is about Jesus of Nazareth and how he saw and interpreted his world; from the perspective of a jewish scholar. I recommend this book.
This is about Jesus of Nazareth and how he saw and interpreted his world; from the perspective of a jewish scholar. I recommend this book.
September 19, 2008
Definitely on the academic side, it was worth reading to get a taste of Flusser - who is such a notable scholar and mentor of scholars. I didn't agree with everything, by any means, but he does raise some good issues to mull over.
January 24, 2017
Flusser prøver så godt han kan ved hjelp av "kildene" han bruker og "dette finner vi eksempler på/dette har noen andre sagt før/dette skjedde også - lenge før Jesus levde" at Jesus bare er en vis mann. Til tider litt utfordrende, men som oftest er jeg bare oppgitt og lei meg.
December 28, 2009
12/2009 I'm on my third reading of this book. I love it!
January 4, 2010
A very logical and literal historical approach by a non-Messianic Jew; great extra-biblical historical context to the gospels. He was one of the most well known scholars on Jesus in the 1st Century.
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June 30, 2010David Flusser is one of those people who have I believe have lost Jesus in the 'Jewishness' of Judaism. He makes leaps in logic that don't always work but the book is interesting.
November 30, 2011
Flusser had some nice research at various points in this book. His particular faith influences the writing, which is to be expected.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews